If you're craving an ultra-sensitive tablet computer, but you're not willing to wait for the rumored Apple tablet to materialize, you could always build your own version.

Lifehacker reader Wei was coveting the pricey touch-screen drawing tablets produced by Wacom. He could have spent $2,000 on one of their tablets, but ultimately it would just be an ultra-sensitive touch screen. Wei could have bought a tablet PC, but the sensitivity on them is lacking for graphic design work. Faced with the option of either blowing a couple grand on just the interface, or settling for an inferior interface plus a computer, he decided it was time to flex some DIY muscle and built something better than both options.

His build is advanced, not particularly cheap, and definitely a multi-weekend project not to be undertaken lightly, but the DIY-fu is so strong, and the end result so polished, we couldn't resist featuring it. The video below demonstrates basic functionality:

The iTab was constructed by fusing together a Macbook with an Intuos Tablet—Wacom's mid-level tablet offering—and a repurposed LCD screen. Check out his full build log at the link below to see pictures of the project and finished product. If you're contemplating building one of your own, make sure to check out the resources he used, including the build log of another DIY tablet builder and his accompanying discussion forum. Great work Wei!